Christianity is about commonality of purpose

I had to read Bruce Baker’s letter (‘Keep Christianity Out of the SCHIP Debate’, Nov. 13) twice to make sure he was really saying what I thought I was reading.

Christianity a religion of “individual empowerment”? HARDLY! The whole tenor and thrust of Christianity – as enunciated from Christ’s own words – was one of commonality of purpose and assisting those less fortunate. As Christ said: “Whatsoever you do for these, the least of my brethren, that you do unto me”.

I can think of no more apropos application of those words, than for the needy, sick and uninsured children that would be covered by SCHIP. In the same issue of the Post (Sec. A) it was noted that combined cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is now approaching $1.5 TRILLION.

How on Earth can people like Baker allow such squandering of resources to continue while begrudging sick kids barely $35 billion for their needs. It is cruel, barbaric and heartless.

Christ would view the sentiments of “individual empowerment” (to the exclusion of children’s health) expressed by Baker with no approval or blessing. Indeed, he’d upbraid the sanctimonious who held such views as “whited sepulchers”.

Phil, perhaps my first communication was lacking. Let me try again. I think God, as Jesus, came into this world to offer eternal life to those that would accept His gift (John 3:16). I get the individual empowerment from the fact that each person makes his own choice, no one else can make the choice for them. EVERYTHING else is of lesser importance that the choice about eternal life.

In 2003, the RMN published my letter against war before we invaded Iraq. I did not use Christianity as my argument. I said to have a war our Constitution required Congress to DECLARE war, which they did not do. The issue in my SCHIP letter was don’t commandeer Christianity to make a social argument. Don’t use Christianity as an argument, in favor or against. Don’t use Christianity in arguments about gay marriage, full day kindergarten, the morality of slavery, or any of other social argument we have.

First of all Christ did not become incarnate to have those arguments. Secondly, Christians do have have exclusive in judging right and wrong. Thirdly, there have been lots of non-Christians that have performed equally as well as Christ in terms of compassion.

Consider when the Devil tempted Christ. Perhaps Satan should shown Jesus all the needy, sick and uninsured children thorughout history and shamed Him into taking action to fix that problem.

Bruce Baker

Phil, perhaps my first communication was lacking. Let me try again. I think God, as Jesus, came into this world to offer eternal life to those that would accept His gift (John 3:16). I get the individual empowerment from the fact that each person makes his own choice, no one else can make the choice for them. EVERYTHING else is of lesser importance that the choice about eternal life.

In 2003, the RMN published my letter against war before we invaded Iraq. I did not use Christianity as my argument. I said to have a war our Constitution required Congress to DECLARE war, which they did not do. The issue in my SCHIP letter was don’t commandeer Christianity to make a social argument. Don’t use Christianity as an argument, in favor or against. Don’t use Christianity in arguments about gay marriage, full day kindergarten, the morality of slavery, or any of other social argument we have.

First of all Christ did not become incarnate to have those arguments. Secondly, Christians do have have exclusive in judging right and wrong. Thirdly, there have been lots of non-Christians that have performed equally as well as Christ in terms of compassion.

Consider when the Devil tempted Christ. Perhaps Satan should shown Jesus all the needy, sick and uninsured children thorughout history and shamed Him into taking action to fix that problem.

Mark J

“Christianity a religion of “individual empowerment”? HARDLY! The whole tenor and thrust of Christianity – as enunciated from Christ’s own words – was one of commonality of purpose and assisting those less fortunate.”

Give what is to Ceaser, Ceaser’s. Jesus Christ told you, the individual, to help the poor. No where in his teachings does he have the government do it for you. In fact, if you pay the government to help the poor for you (do your good deeds) you in fact are not doing good deeds.

Mark J

“Christianity a religion of “individual empowerment”? HARDLY! The whole tenor and thrust of Christianity – as enunciated from Christ’s own words – was one of commonality of purpose and assisting those less fortunate.”

Give what is to Ceaser, Ceaser’s. Jesus Christ told you, the individual, to help the poor. No where in his teachings does he have the government do it for you. In fact, if you pay the government to help the poor for you (do your good deeds) you in fact are not doing good deeds.

Vincent Carroll is The Denver Post's editorial page editor. He has been writing commentary on politics and public policy in Colorado since 1982 and was originally with the Rocky Mountain News, where he was also editor of the editorial pages until that newspaper gave up the ghost in 2009.

Guidelines: The Post welcomes letters up to 150 words on topics of general interest. Letters must include full name, home address, day and evening phone numbers, and may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.

To reach the Denver Post editorial page by phone: 303-954-1331

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